Cruise toKauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii

Situated at the northernmost end of the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai is Hawaii's oldest island. It's rich with emerald-colored valleys, jagged mountain cliffs and tropical rainforests — which account for its nickname, the Garden Island. Cruise to Kauai and relax on Kauapea Beach, also called the "secret beach," where white sands stretch along steep cliffs near the Kilauea Lighthouse. Venture out to the Waimea Canyon for some hiking: When you see the canyon's rocky, red-hued walls, you'll understand why it's called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Or go kayaking along the Na Pali Coast — you might recognize the rocky cliffs and turquoise waters from the original "Jurassic Park," which was filmed here.

Marvel at the Falls

Marvel at the Falls

Wailua Falls, just north of Lihue, is easily accessible. You can view these falls from the road, with no hiking necessary. You may recognize them from the opening credits of the long-running TV series "Fantasy Island" as you see them cascade 80 feet in two separate streams.

The Legend of Menehune

Traditional hawaiian fish pond in Kauai, Hawaii

Traditional hawaiian fish pond in Kauai, Hawaii

The Legend of Menehune

Not far from Nawiliwili Harbor, you'll find Alekoko Fishpond, a nearly 1,000-year-old example of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture that's on the National Register of Historic Places. Legend says the Menehune people built the pond in one night by lining up and passing stones hand-to-hand for 25 miles.

Stunning aerial view of the Waimea Canyon in Kauai, Hawaii

Grand Canyon of the Pacific

See the rocky red walls of Waimea Canyon, which stretches 14 miles long, a mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep. You'll find numerous hiking trails for both beginners and experienced hikers, which will take you past dramatic panoramic views of the canyon.

Common Hawaiian food is rice with spam on top wrapped with nori

Local Cuisine

Try some of Kauai's local food, such as saimin, a noodle soup dish that became popular during Hawaii's plantation era. Cruise to Kauai and embrace the local culture with the quirky dish Spam musubi, which consists of a grilled slice of Spam atop rice and wrapped in nori (dried seaweed). Cool off with a sweet shave ice topped with coconut cream.

Hawaiian shirts found shopping in Hawaii

Shopping

You'll find unique made-in-Hawaii items on Kauai, including Aloha wear, Hawaiian jewelry, fine art and other souvenirs. For products specifically made in Kauai, look for shirts made from the island's red dirt and shirts with sporting Hawaiian-style designs, or seek out handmade soaps and candles scented with local plants and herbs.

Insider's Tips

1Watch out for wild chickens if you're driving — Hurricane Iniki in 1992 destroyed many of the island's coops, and now these feathered friends roam the island.

2If you're planning to hike, pack some low-cut hiking boots, as most of the trails here are well-maintained but rocky.